Sea archaeologists have found a wreck that they believe is HMS Endeavor off the coast of Rhode Island in northeastern America.

"We have only one side," said director Kathy Abbass today.

HMS Endeavor was the first British ship to land on Australian soil in 1770 under Captain James Cook.

Maritime archaeologists have determined the location of a wreck that they believe is Captain James Cook's HMS Endeavor. (Included)

After the Australian expedition, the ship was sold and became known as Lord Sandwich 2.

It then transported British troops into the American Revolutionary War and served as a floating prison.

In 1778, as French naval ships approached, the British sank 13 ships off Newport, Rhode Island, to serve as a barricade.

The site is off the coast of Rhode Island, on the northeastern US coast. (9NEWS)The explorers of the wreck said that the process was long and exhausting because of the underwater view, but they are sure that the find is the right ship. (9NEWS)

"We can say now, we think we know which one it is," Dr. Abbass.

Australian divers and researchers have worked with local teams to verify the site through tedious scientific analysis.